The Art of Maya Adeyemo

Can you tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

Adeyemo-Maya Adebowale, I am an Artist, Creative Designer, etc. A graduate of the Prestigious Yaba College of Technology, Yaba, Lagos. I am a Graphics major Student with years of experience in the design field, both in the corporate (Advertising) and also outsourced projects (Freelance). I was born into a family of five (5) and the first of (2) male and (3) female. I am from Oyo State, born and raised in Port-Harcourt, Rivers State. Nigeria.

How did you get started in the world of art? What drew you to this medium?

First, it depends on the medium you are particular about in your description (Drawing, Painting, Illustration and Digital painting). It fully came to me in my primary days with a couple of classmates wanting to be the best in class. Thank God we had course outline that included art it in my school, this made me a character to recon with. Being among the coolest pupils was a privilege to behold. I was tutored by an awesome art teacher. (I wish I knew her name). It’s been over three decades. 

This motivated me to want to be a better version of me every passing day. I would say I discovered myself at my very early stage of life as a lover of art. Not just a lover but also practiced by taking commissioned projects of art in the neighborhood. Not forgetting how I also involved in some other art styles like sign-writing, calligraphy and printing. Ever since I have stayed consistent till this day. I would aptly say it’s a gift from God and I can say unapologetically that I am grateful. It has been a fantastic experience but this is how far I can go.

Who or what are your biggest inspirations when it comes to graphic arts

I can get inspirations by whatever sparks the idea. It could come from conversations, mind-picture, picture references, fellow artist (physically or online) not ignoring my immediate environment.

 Are there any artists or artists, past or present, who have had a significant impact on your work?

Absolutely, quite a number of them, some of which I am still in contact with till this day.

Could you walk us through your creative process from idea generation to final product?

Oh yes! This is where it becomes interesting. Most of my project experiences are based on recommendation after which I get to meet and have a discussion with the client either physically or via the social media, if necessary, as this will gives a clear picture of what is been asked of based on the job description. This helps to ease the process. The first step is to ideation process, which is understanding the what the client is asking for, this allows for common ground on both the artist and the client respectively. Secondly, this stage is the process of developing visual scamps of the different ideas to what has been discussed or stated in the brief, this will further describe how the idea will go through with the execution.

Are there any specific tools, software, or techniques you rely on during your illustration process?

Yes, I have leant various medium of expressions on my work process from start to finish with the use of the following tools and software packages such as Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator, Procreate on the apple iPad. These mediums are inclusive of traditional approach, such as water colour and Pastel on paper. Hehe!

How would you describe your unique style as a graphic illustrator?

Every artist has something unique that attracts people to their art. By that I mean one of the ways I will describe my style as unique is how I am able to visually express my characters by combining both the African and a bit of the western style with the preferred colour pallet of choice. Yes, this comes with consistency until the craft is mastered. Regardless of the medium of application. I love to experiment.

Are there specific themes or subjects that you find yourself gravitating towards in your work?

Absolutely, motion graphics or Frame by frame animation is the next step of my experience.

Can you share an example of a particularly challenging project you’ve worked on and how you overcame it?

I have work on quite a number of projects both as commercial or personal. I don’t really emphasize much on the process, I simply find a way to get it done.  Either as a team or as individual. This is the discipline

What has been a significant breakthrough moment in your career as a graphic illustrator?

My days in the higher institution as a student was tough in all honesty where task with different art courses was ask to execute in the department on a weekly basis. This is part of the school requirements, and graphics and illustration were a minor for me because I struggle with it since I was a rookie. I didn’t even know how to go about it by making a choice in the course to major in because I didn’t have what it takes to be back to school to continue with my HND (300L) after my one year of internship at a design company here in Lagos.

With God in His infinite mercy helped me secure a scholarship certification on campus from various NGOs for my performance in the academic years and that’s how my fist working computer was bought from the funds raised to support my education. That to me was a major breakthrough right there.

Have you had the opportunity to collaborate with other artists or professionals in the industry? If so, how did those experiences shape your work?

I have worked with a couple of artists in various project raging from cover art, storyboarding, characters designs, graffiti one of my favorite art mediums.

Is there a specific project or piece that you’re particularly proud of?

Yes, there is, although it didn’t come alive at the end of the day but I was proud I did it and can reference it anytime in my archive.

How do you see technology influencing the field of graphic illustration, and how have you adapted to these changes?

This a very good question, Technology is fast becoming the order of the day with what the world is experiencing today. A lot of artists out there are looking for ways to see how their art can fit in the space of the trend with the introduction of artificial intelligence (Ai). technology today is the future as anticipated in the last two decades, if you have to survive the time that we exist in today, it is required that we embrace technological advancement is staying open to opportunities. Hat suits your relevance in that regard.

Are there any emerging technologies or tools that you’re excited about integrating into your work?

As a traditional artist a lot has happened in the past few years that will make any artist rethink his lifestyle in the industry if he wants to stay relevant. One of the things I look to is making my art involve movement. Software’s and app programmers are releasing art related tool on digital platforms, some of which are free and some are paid apps on getting fantastic project out in lesser time than usual on a regular basis therefore leaving artist the opportunity to be more effective and proactive on the go in his daily creations, depending on what the project entails. I am excited about the development but then I’m very skeptical about what will happen to the original ways of making art?

What advice would you give to someone aspiring to become a graphic illustrator?

In my early days. art was seen as a profession for the lazy, but today it is a source of livelihood for many. As an advocate of greatness, whoever finds him/herself in the art space should keep up with the good work. It’s a gift and a curse. One important part of it is to discover where you fit in. Don’t get carried away because you feel it’s making money and then struggle to sustain it. The most importantly part of it is the passion that drives you to succeed in it.

Are there any resources, courses, or communities that you recommend for aspiring illustrators?

There is quite a number of courses online and physical classes, this will depend on your location of reach. There are courses for 2D, 3D, Motion design, Animations, UI & UX (Web design), Photography, Installation Art, etc.

Do you have a favorite project or illustration that holds a special place in your heart? Could you tell us a bit about it?

Every art I have created holds a very special place in my heart, simply because a lot of effort was invested into making it come alive. It’s like a father with many children, they all hold a special place in his heart irrespective of their position.

What are your future goals and aspirations as a graphic illustrator? Are there any upcoming projects or ventures you’re excited about?

I would say yes. At the moment there’s a project I will be That is about to kickstart and I am very excited and can’t wait to get on it. Although it is still in the discussion stage.